Dinners are served from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The menu choice is baked chicken, baked or fried fish, fried shrimp or the special of the day. Meals include salad, rolls, mashed potatoes or french fries, vegetable, coffee, iced tea and dessert. Dancing to live music follows until 9 p.m.

The cost is $9 per person; there is no tax and no tipping. Reservations are requested and parties are welcome. Call (352) 683-1227.

COUNTYWIDE

Child care available to unemployed workers

The Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties has partnered with the Pasco Hernando Workforce Board to use American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for child care services.

With a budget of $700,000, the Coalition has available 250 child care slots within two programs:

The first program provides child care services for clients enrolled in ARRA-funded training programs through Career Central. A referral is generated by Career Central staff with verification of program enrollment and unemployment compensation. Services will also be available to walk-in clients in similar types of short-term (18-24 month) training/education programs.

The second program stems from a new state rule offering child care services to clients not currently employed but receiving unemployment compensation. Child care is permitted to be approved in 30-day intervals only.

Those interested in determining their eligibility for participation in either program can contact the nearest office: Brooksville, (352) 754-5068; Dade City, (352) 834-0052; or New Port Richey, (727) 569-1004. Visit online at www.phelc.org.

BROOKSVILLE/SPRING HILL

HPH Hospice training open to teens, adults

HPH Hospice will offer orientations for teenagers and adults interested in becoming volunteers.

Adults interested in making a weekly visit to a hospice patient or helping out in the agency's East Hernando office are invited to a two-part training course from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 20 and 22 at the HPH office at 698 S Broad St., Brooksville.

An orientation for teenagers 14 and older will be offered on two Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 31 and Nov. 7, at the HPH Hernando Hospice Care Center, 12242 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill. Participants must attend both weekends. Once orientation is completed, student volunteers can assist with special events, office work and possibly visit patients (must be 17 or older).

To reserve a spot for orientation, call Anne Clarke at (352) 796-2611.

SPRING HILL

Christmas bazaar at United Methodist

The Craft Group of Mariner United Methodist Church will host a Christmas bazaar from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 16 and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 17 at the church, 7079 Mariner Blvd.

The event will include homemade items such as baby gifts, jewelry, Christmas items and baked goods. There will also be books, refreshments and numerous other items for sale. For information, call the church office, (352) 596-0080.

KISSIMMEE

Two-day event is devoted to fly-fishing

The Florida Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers will host a two-day extravaganza from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 23 and 24 at the Ramada Orlando Celebration and Convention Center, 6375 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway.

For information, visit online at www.fffflorida.org/conclave.htm, or contact Pete Greenan at (941) 232-2960 or captpete@florida flyfishing.com.

COUNTYWIDE

Calendar is a treatfor serious gardeners

The 2010 Master Gardener Calendar is now available.

The calendar features month-by-month expert advice on the Central Florida landscape, including information for beginners as well as longtime gardeners. Calendars are $3 each and are available at the Hernando County Cooperative Extension Service, 19490 Oliver St., Brooksville. For information, call (352) 754-4433.

BROOKSVILLE

Want to be in Veterans Appreciation Parade?

The 2009 Veterans Appreciation Parade will be at 10 a.m. Nov. 4 in downtown Brooksville. Parade lineup will start at 8:30 a.m. in the parking lot behind City Hall, 201 Howell Ave.

Participants are wanted for the parade. Although registration is not required to participate in the event, those planning to are asked to RSVP to Anna Liisa Covell at (352) 544-0680.